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**ryanbatc** · 1 Dec 2011, 03:43 PM

Originally posted by Nauticas View Post

1) Any tips on getting the CPU in the socket without touching the damn thing.

2) What thermal paste do you recommend? Any tips on applying the thermal paste.

3) Should I flash the motherboard BIOS with the latest edition before I load Windows or should I do that after Windows is loaded. Maybe not do it all?

4) I'm a nerd about cable management, so I'll be tying things down to maximize air flow. I do plan to get a 120mm side case fan for this to help, but from the reviews, temps should not be an issue since I am not overclocking and using on board graphics.

5) Is there a free anti-virus software you recommend?

1. I touch my CPU all the time... just make sure you're free of any static discharge.. no worries there... or wear one of those ESD bracelets.

2. Artic Silver 5 is always good...

3. Is your mom gaming? I probably wouldn't do anything to the BIOS. flashing the BIOS is only for HAARRRDDDCOOORE users.

4. ok

5. Just use Microsoft Security Essentials.

**Quamin** · 1 Dec 2011, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by Nauticas View Post

1) Any tips on getting the CPU in the socket without touching the damn thing.

2) What thermal paste do you recommend? Any tips on applying the thermal paste.

3) Should I flash the motherboard BIOS with the latest edition before I load Windows or should I do that after Windows is loaded. Maybe not do it all?

4) I'm a nerd about cable management, so I'll be tying things down to maximize air flow. I do plan to get a 120mm side case fan for this to help, but from the reviews, temps should not be an issue since I am not overclocking and using on board graphics.

5) Is there a free anti-virus software you recommend?

1) Drop it ever so precisely from the container it ships in so that the pins line up Juuuuuuuust right - lol no, don't do this <--- just pick it up after you've touched a grounded source (like a car or other metal appliance). Also don't build the PC on fabric or loose plastic. Static loves that stuff.

2) Arctic Silver like ryanbatc said. Worked great for me for several PC's

3) You can always update the BIOS with the manufacturer's flashing utility, and many new ones let you do it from Windows. Wait until after you've built the thing and gotten it running before trying to get new features or fixes. If you run into issues keeping it running stable, then try the BIOS.

4) Good for you. Get rid of the noisy small fans and get those wires out of the way. Your mom sure won't do it! You will, however, have to let her know that it will need to be dusted inside once a year with some compressed air and/or a small vaccuum. You may need to do it or show her

5) Microsoft's should be fine, but you could also try AVG Antivirus. To avoid more trips to help your mom, you may try to get her to purchase a set of software to cover malware, like a retail copy of AVG.

Anything else?

**Duke{CLR}** · 1 Dec 2011, 06:15 PM

1. I use latex gloves when handling both the CPU and the thermal paste, I read somewhere that stuff from the paste should not get in contact with the skin.

2. AS 5 will work out just fine but if you wont be overclocking you could just use the stuff that is pre applied to the retail CPU cooler.

3. The more fans the more dust so see if you can get a filter for them. I use AC filter material cut to shape for this. It keeps most of the dust outside which even a novice can see which could lead to more frequent cleaning of the filters. Be sure to post up a few pics of your neat wiring job.

4. I have found that my parents don't like to keep updating the free stuff so now they just use the AV that is provided with their internet service.

Have fun with the build.

Peep this. Arctic Silver Incorporated - Route to Product Instructions for Arctic Silver 5

**Apache Warrior** · 1 Dec 2011, 07:29 PM

As duke said, do not get the arctic silver on your hands.
Apache

**uncomp** · 1 Dec 2011, 07:51 PM

Microsoft Security Essentials is a must it updates itself and windows

you don't need arctic sliver for a i3 use what comes with it

just be carefully when mounting the motherboard to the case that all your spacers line up with the holes (in my 15 years of computer repair i see this at least once a month lol)

when installing the heat sink on the last two keepers make sure you hear it click you will have to push harder then you think

**WalkinTarget** · 1 Dec 2011, 08:51 PM

You may not need the thermal paste if you are using the OEM heatsink. It will already have paste applied, so all you need to do is properly orient the CPU in the socket, then latch it down.

And you can touch it without doing any harm. Cripes, I just read a Maximum PC article from Gordon on a n00b builder who inserted the CPU turned 1/4 of a turn incorrectly in the SOCKET, powered it up, got no boot.
Someone took it back apart, realized his error (

), and corrected the CPU placement. The PC booed up fine after it was inserted properly.

That .. is insane ! Put in it TURNED WRONG and it STILL worked after they fixed the position.

**Nauticas** · 2 Dec 2011, 11:11 AM

All great tips. I'll be putting it together this weekend more than likely. I'll be sure to take some pictures. Thanks for the tips so far. You guys are great.

**Quamin** · 2 Dec 2011, 12:27 PM

Originally posted by WalkinTarget View Post

You may not need the thermal paste if you are using the OEM heatsink. It will already have paste applied, so all you need to do is properly orient the CPU in the socket, then latch it down.

And you can touch it without doing any harm. Cripes, I just read a Maximum PC article from Gordon on a n00b builder who inserted the CPU turned 1/4 of a turn incorrectly in the SOCKET, powered it up, got no boot.
Someone took it back apart, realized his error (

), and corrected the CPU placement. The PC booed up fine after it was inserted properly.

That .. is insane ! Put in it TURNED WRONG and it STILL worked after they fixed the position.

Wouldn't the pins have all been crushed

Wow

**K PhaNTOM** · 2 Dec 2011, 12:47 PM

I touch arctic silver all the time lol

**Skud** · 2 Dec 2011, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by K PhaNTOM View Post

I touch arctic silver all the time lol

Ditto.

**WalkinTarget** · 2 Dec 2011, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by Quamin View Post

Wouldn't the pins have all been crushed

Wow

No pins on the newer CPUs. The 'pins' are located in the socket itself, ever since the newer 775 chips.

**Donziboy2** · 2 Dec 2011, 03:32 PM

I usually put my paste on the CPU before I remove it from its protective case. Then I remove it from its plastic case and put it into the socket.

Bios is a double edged sword. I tend not to flash them unless there is an issue since you can brick a board if it fails.

**Quamin** · 2 Dec 2011, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by WalkinTarget View Post

No pins on the newer CPUs. The 'pins' are located in the socket itself, ever since the newer 775 chips.

Well that's a damn good advancement I'd say. Nothing worse than a bent pin, hopefully this will eliminate that. Looking forward to building a new PC again in the next couple years. My Phenom X4 will last me a while still.

**drunken_chef** · 2 Dec 2011, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by Donziboy2 View Post

I usually put my paste on the CPU before I remove it from its protective case. Then I remove it from its plastic case and put it into the socket.

Bios is a double edged sword. I tend not to flash them unless there is an issue since you can brick a board if it fails.

if you know what to do. a failed BIOS flash can usually be repaired.

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